The crowd gasped, realising the precarious situation their captain was in. The hold tightened, restricting his breathing and putting immense pressure on his windpipe. Qie Xieling smiled slyly as he whispered in his ear, "You can tap out and we can continue this in your bedroom if you like."

Luo Muchen, "..." His mind raced, searching for a way to escape the clutches of the guillotine choke. With every last ounce of strength, he fought against the overwhelming force, desperately struggling for freedom. With great effort, Luo Muchen summoned his remaining strength refusing to succumb to his defeat on his own warship.

His hands found leverage, and with a sudden burst of power, he managed to free himself from Qie Xieling’s grip. The crew erupted in cheers, witnessing their captain’s incredible prowess. Luo Muchen forced Qie Xieling into a shoulder lock. Qie Xieling groaned before he suddenly tapped out acknowledging Luo Muchen’s victory, but it was clear that something was amiss. Luo Muchen let him go.

As Qie Xieling lay flat on the mat, his body drenched in perspiration, a throaty chuckle escaped his lips. It was a sound that carried a mixture of admiration and amusement. He gave up the fight because he got something even better. He got his man hard and that was enough for him.

Luo Muchen, still catching his breath, looked at him in a state of vexation. When Qie Xieling tapped out just now he knew something was up. While in the guillotine choke, Qie Xieling deliberately loosened his hold after shamelessly talking about going to the upper deck to do stuff.

The more he thought about it, it started to look like Qie Xieling had let him win. The realisation washed over him like a wave, his elation giving way to a sense of unease. What did Qie Xieling want from him exactly? What was he plotting? And was he that much of a pervert that he actually got hard while sparring with him?

Luo Muchen sat on the mat, his knees bent, his head low. He felt a surge of conflicted emotions as he sat there catching his breath. Bo Ailun approached him with a towel and offered it to him. He accepted it and as he stood up he discreetly covered his groin feeling a great sense of shame. He desperately needed to get away from Qie Xieling right now.

He ignored his crew that was applauding him celebrating his triumph and walked out of the training room. "Captain," called out Bo Ailun and Luo Muchen said,

"Get him hangover medicine and something for his sore muscles," before he walked away.

Bo Ailun wanted to say something else but he held back. Meanwhile, Qie Xieling’s body felt heavy as he lay sprawled on the mat, his breath ragged and sweat dripping from his brow. He felt like he weighed a ton of bricks.

Mauve lightly tapped Qie Xieling’s arm with his foot while asking, "Can you get up?"

He let out a tired laugh, his limbs feeling like lead. "Of course, I can," he replied. With great effort, he pushed himself up, his muscles protesting with each movement.

Mauve extended his hand, offering support. Qie Xieling gratefully accepted the helping hand and with Mauve’s assistance, he got on his feet.

He managed to regain his footing, though every step sent a jolt of pain through his aching back.

"I think I’ll head back to the cabin," he muttered through clenched teeth. He took a few tentative steps toward the elevator, his body protesting with every movement.

Mauve nodded, understanding the toll of the rigorous training plus that sparring session with the captain. It was surprising that he was still able to walk. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Rest well," he said before Qie Xieling nodded as he mustered a faint smile. He walked towards the elevator, the weight of his exhaustion pulling at him with each step.

As the elevator doors opened he found Bo Ailun standing inside. He was about to come out of the elevator when their gazes met. Qie Xieling stared at the box in his hands before entering the elevator.

Bo Ailun handed him the box and said, "For you... from the captain."

Qie Xieling had an amused look dancing in his eyes. He smirked and shook his head. "Tell him," Qie Xieling began, his voice filled with mock seriousness, "if he’s sorry, he should come to me and apply the medicine for me... personally."

With a playful glint in his eyes, he pressed the button for the deck where his cabin was before leaning against the wall, the box of medicine clutched tightly in his hand.

Bo Ailun blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected request. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. Who in the world had the balls to say that to Luo Muchen? Even he as the messenger was afraid for his safety. He was going to have to tell the captain his response through a voice call because there was no way he was doing it face to face.

Qie Xieling chuckled seeing his expression. "I’m not messing with you. Tell him exactly what I said."

Bo Ailun, "..."

The elevator reached Qie Xieling’s deck, and as the doors slid open, he stepped out, still grinning. "Let me know what he says."

After saying that he walked down the corridor toward his cabin. When he entered the cabin it was empty would no sign of Uncle Jie. He took the hangover medicine and sprawled on the bed with a deep sigh.

Qie Xieling told himself he would only sleep for a moment but he soon passed out. He didn’t know how long he slept. He was woken up by the sound of the old man calling his name.

He opened his eyes half-lidded and said, "Let me sleep for five more minutes."

"No, go take a shower first. It smells like sweat and you are stinking up the whole room," he said and Qie Xieling sighed before sitting up. He scratched his head looking like a zombie. He was so sluggish and tired.

"Fine...," he mumbled while getting up. He took his towel and personal care items before walking out. Jie noticed that he left his shower gel so he grabbed it and took it to the communal bathroom.